Navigating Parental Alienation: Protecting Family Bonds

Parental alienation is a serious issue that arises when one parent’s actions damage the relationship between a child and the other parent. At Olive Mediation, we understand how this behaviour can strain families, and we are here to support parents in addressing these challenges with care and respect.

What is Parental Alienation?

Parental alienation occurs when one parent deliberately undermines a child’s relationship with the other parent. This can involve limiting time spent with the other parent or influencing the child to view them negatively. Although these actions may not always be intentional, the impact on the child’s emotional wellbeing can be profound.

Parental Alienation Syndrome

Parental alienation syndrome refers to the accumulation of harmful behaviours by one parent toward the other, which negatively affects the child’s mental health. In some cases, family members like grandparents or stepparents may also play a role in alienation. While the term remains controversial in some circles, many legal professionals and psychologists recognize its damaging effects.

Signs of Alienating Behaviour

There are no strict rules for how alienation occurs, but common behaviours include:

• Limiting Contact: Preventing the child from spending time with the other parent.

• Negative Reinforcement: Speaking poorly about the other parent or distorting past events to paint them in a negative light.

• Encouraging Secrecy: Pushing the child to keep secrets from the other parent.
  These behaviours may become more apparent when one parent enters a new relationship, though they can also occur even when parents remain together.

The Alienating Parent

Research indicates that alienating parents often exhibit narcissistic tendencies or have strained relationships with their own families. Their inability to cope with the end of the relationship often manifests in anger and resentment toward the other parent, leading to harmful behaviours.

The Targeted Parent

The targeted parent frequently experiences feelings of frustration, helplessness, and emotional distress as they struggle to maintain their relationship with their child. This emotional toll can also take a financial toll as they seek solutions through legal channels.

The Impact on the Child

Children who are targeted by alienating behaviour may initially resist but often succumb due to their dependence on the alienating parent. Studies show that girls aged 10 to 14 are particularly vulnerable. The long-term effects of this behaviour can include anxiety, depression, difficulty forming relationships, and social isolation. Alienation can also impact a child’s academic performance, and in some cases, the targeted parent may experience a drop in productivity at work.

Parental Alienation in Court

Family courts often struggle to address parental alienation due to the need for clear, evidence-based findings. Affidavits must present strong evidence of alienating behaviours, and the court may rely on independent experts to assess the situation. Under Section 60CC(2) of the Family Law Act 1975, the court must prioritise:

• The benefit of the child maintaining a meaningful relationship with both parents.

• The need to protect the child from physical or psychological harm, including exposure to family violence or abuse.

Assessing Unacceptable Risk

While courts are often reluctant to label behaviour as parental alienation, they may intervene if they determine that a parent’s behaviour presents an unacceptable risk to the child. In such cases, the court may order a change in residence from the alienating parent to the targeted parent.

Cases Involving Parental Alienation

• Ward & Ward (No 2) [2016] FamCA 890
  This case involved parental alienation by the father and his new partner against the mother. The court allowed the children to live with the parent they were closest to, but encouraged time spent with both parents to support stronger family connections.

• Lankester v Cribb [2018] FamCAFC 60
  In this case, the court found that the mother had falsely accused the father of abusing their child. The court ordered the child to live with the father due to the emotional stress caused by the mother’s behavior.

• Goldman v Goldman [2018] FamCAFC 65
  In this case, the court found that the mother’s attempts to alienate the children from their father posed an unacceptable risk. As a result, the children’s residence was changed to the father, with supervised contact with the mother for a period of time.

Final Thoughts

Parental alienation can be incredibly difficult for families, but solutions are possible with the right support. At Olive Mediation, we work to create an environment where both parents and children can rebuild trust and restore healthy relationships. If you’re dealing with the effects of parental alienation or seeking guidance on maintaining your relationship with your child, we’re here to help.

Contact Olive Mediation today to learn more about how we can support you and your family.
Book a free 15-minute consultation on our website: www.olivemediation.com.au